By Ryan Barnett
Bear World TV launches this month, delivering daily doses of news, entertainment, and culture, curated specifically for and by the global bear community.
The channel features five dynamic hosts, each presenting weekly two-minute segments that highlight distinct aspects of bear life, from nightlife and travel to pop culture, style and humor.
Alexander Rodriguez will host Alexander On Screen, covering the latest in entertainment. International gogobear Hunter Harden turns up the heat in Hunter’s Hot Nights, a nightlife segment sponsored by Gun Oil Personal Lubricant. Joe Martone keeps viewers informed on national events with What to Know with Joe, sponsored by DeviousSaint.com. Travel expert Ravi Roth explores destinations near and far in his segment, sponsored by Island House Hotel–Key West. And rounding out the lineup, Marquis the Honey Bear delivers laughs with his signature comedic take on quirky bear behaviors.
MEET YOUR NEW – FURRIER – FAB FIVE:
Alexander Rodriguez
WHAT TRENDS ARE YOU SEEING IN QUEER ENTERTAINMENT RIGHT NOW?
Alexander Rodriguez: I am really excited to see such a diverse group of queer folk taking center stage in media. Yes, we have our pretty boys, but we also have different ethnicities, body shapes and the trans community stepping into the light.
HOW DO YOU APPROACH INTERVIEWING LGBTQ+ ENTERTAINERS FOR THE BEAR COMMUNITY?
Alexander Rodriguez: I love exploring the smaller details of what makes a person tick. It’s wild to see that even though we all have different queer journeys and backgrounds, we can all come together in our dreams to be heard and included.
WHO’S ON YOUR ENTERTAINMENT BUCKET LIST TO FEATURE ON BEAR WORLD TV?
Alexander Rodriguez: Is Jessica Lange a bear? She’s my idol. How about Patti LuPone? Too soon? How about a seance with Bette Davis? Yes, I love my divas.
Hunter Harden
HOW DO YOU CURATE THE BEST BEAR-CENTRIC PARTIES FOR YOUR AUDIENCE?
Hunter Harden: Oh honey, it’s all about sniffing out the right vibe. I’m not just looking for a packed dance floor. I want events that feel like a big, fuzzy family reunion with a touch of glitter. If an event celebrates body positivity, has inclusive energy and a solid DJ set that makes me shake this booty, it’s making the list.
WHAT MAKES A PARTY TRULY MEMORABLE IN THE BEAR SCENE?
Hunter Harden: A memorable bear party has that magic mix: friendly faces, good beats and a space where you don’t have to suck in your stomach or dim your shine.
CAN YOU SHARE ANY INSIDER TIPS FOR FIRST-TIMERS ATTENDING A MAJOR BEAR PARTY?
Hunter Harden: Absolutely! First of all—hydrate, baby. Second, don’t stress about looking like everyone else. Bears come in all colors, sizes, fur lengths and energy levels. Wear something that makes you feel confident, and talk to people! We’re a friendly bunch. If all else fails, find me. I’ll be the one dancing on the gogo box.
Joe Martone
WHAT’S THE MOST INSPIRING BEAR EVENT YOU’VE COVERED RECENTLY?
Joe Martone: Bigger Vegas! Who knew that in the desert, underneath the neon signs of gambling and magic shows, you could find an oasis of body positivity, celebration of the self and some of the sexiest men you’ve ever seen poolside.
WHAT SHOULD BEARS CONSIDER WHEN DECIDING ON THEIR NEXT EXCURSION?
Joe Martone: What brings you joy? What’s that one event you hear about every year that makes you say, “Aw, damn. Well, maybe next year?” Keep an eye on what your heart wants. It’ll steer you right.
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE WHICH STORIES OR PERSONALITIES TO SPOTLIGHT IN YOUR SEGMENTS?
Joe Martone: I look at who’s changing the world. Who’s bringing something new to the bear-narrative? That’s who I want to cover.
Marquis
WHAT ARE SOME QUIRKY BEAR TRAITS THAT NEVER FAIL TO MAKE YOU LAUGH?
Marquis: I love that at any given moment, a bear is hyper fixated on either Pokemon or the nichiest game no one else has heard of. They love all aging scream queen actresses, and they will always mention their CPAP machine in any discussion, no matter the topic.
HOW DO YOU PLAN TO PLAYFULLY SPOTLIGHT THOSE QUIRKS IN YOUR SEGMENTS ON BEAR WORLD TV?
Marquis: Yapping about hyper-fixations is fun as hell. Quirks like “the hottest cartoon bears in TV history” and “ranking CPAP machines by aesthetic fierceness” will be a hoot and a holler to unpack. I can’t wait to see how bears engage with my channel. I hope they find it seriously unserious.
Ravi
WHAT ARE THE TOP THREE BEAR-FRIENDLY TRAVEL DESTINATIONS EVERY MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY SHOULD EXPERIENCE AT LEAST ONCE?
Ravi: Sitges, Spain; Cape Town, South Africa; and Key West, Florida. Sitges isn’t just bear-friendly. It’s bear-legendary. It’s home to the world-famous Sitges Bear Week, but even outside of Bear Week, there are two clothing-optional beaches, countless bear bars and a vibe that screams inclusivity. Cape Town has pristine beaches, dramatic mountains, world-class wineries and a buzzing city life, layered with a queer scene that’s not just welcoming, but undeniably sexy. And then, Key West is a tropical playground where everyone fits in…especially bears. The food scene is ridiculously good. From Cuban to Caribbean to Seafood. It’s a feast in every sense.
WHAT’S BEEN YOUR MOST TRANSFORMATIVE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE?
Ravi: In 2018, I visited a gay, clothing-optional camp nestled in the Poconos of Pennsylvania. It was the most community-driven experience of my life. It was wildly joyful, deeply affirming and profoundly healing. I made friends for life, and for the first time, I truly began to love my body.
Bear World TV is available on BearWorldMag.com and on Youtube @bearworldtv.
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